Early Reader Review: You've Awoken Her by Ann Dávila Cardinal

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

You've Awoken Her by Ann Dávila Cardinal  

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: June 17, 2025 

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Fans of You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight and Your Lonely Nights Are Over will love this thrilling YA horror about a string of disappearances and "accidental" drownings in the Hamptons, the changing relationship between two best friends, and their desperate attempt to not be the next victims of a Lovecraftian monster terrorizing the coastline. 

All Gabi wants is to spend the summer in his room, surrounded by his Funkos and books, but with his mom traveling, his bags are packed for the last place he wants to visit—the Hamptons. Staying with his best friend should have him willing to peek out of his cave, but ever since Ruth’s nouveau riche family moved, their friendship has been off.

Surrounded by mansions, country clubs, and Ruth’s new boyfriend, Frost Thurston—the axis that Hampton society orbits around—it doesn’t take long for Gabi to feel completely out of place. But when he witnesses a woman being pulled under the ocean water, and no one—not the police or anyone else in the Hamptons—seems to care, Gabi starts to wonder if maybe the beachside town’s bad vibes are more real than he thought.

As the “accidental” deaths and drownings begin to climb, Gabi knows he’ll need proof to convince Ruth they’re all in danger. And while the Thurston family name keeps rising to the top, along with every fresh body, what’s worst is that all the signs point to something lurking beneath the water—something with tentacles and a thirst for blood. Can Gabi figure out how the two are intertwined and put an end to the string of deaths…before becoming the water’s next victim? 

Review: 

The story follows Gabi (Gabriel), a young man from Queens, as he visits his best friend Ruth at her new house in the Hamptons. Told from Gabi’s point of view, the novel explores his growing discomfort and jealousy over Ruth’s change in status. Despite missing her, he resents the world she now inhabits.

Ruth’s new social circle consists of wealthy elites who prioritize money and power above all else. Though Ruth remains grounded and holds onto her values, her new boyfriend, Frost, epitomizes the worst of the group—entitled, arrogant, and riding on his father’s wealth.

Adding to Gabi’s unease are disturbing events: people are going missing, dismembered body parts begin washing up on the beach, and whispers of a monster circulate among the locals. This supernatural thread introduces an intriguing element of magical realism, pulling in themes from the Old Gods and Lovecraftian lore.

The book is a quick and engaging read, with a fast-paced plot that keeps you turning the pages. However, it falls short in a few areas. There’s minimal character development—feelings are acknowledged, but not deeply explored—and Gabi’s voice can be frustrating. He often criticizes Ruth for her privilege, despite the fact that her circumstances were shaped by her father, not her own choices. Instead of supporting her, his jealousy comes across as petty and repetitive.

The Lovecraftian elements are conceptually strong, but the author’s commentary on Lovecraft’s racism and misogyny feels excessive. It’s important to address those aspects, but doing so every time his influence appears begins to dilute the impact. A more nuanced approach—embedding these critiques within the characters and narrative—could have made a stronger statement.

While Gabi’s perspective is often whiny and grating, the overall story is compelling enough to maintain interest. The core concept is solid, but several thematic elements could have hit harder with a bit more depth and restraint.